God’s Word IS Powerful

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to hear Scripture
for the very first time? I witnessed a Rohingya man do just that when I played
for him an audio recording of some of the very first Scriptures translated into
his language. Let me tell you, it was something to see.

His name was Abdullah, the book was Jonah, and to my shame,
my expectations weren’t high. Sure, Jonah’s a cool story and a fun read, but
come on, it’s just Jonah. I pressed play and settled in to listen to all four
chapters.

But imagine my surprise when, after about verse 6, Abdullah
told me to stop the audio so we could discuss one of the finer points of the
Scripture. An hour later and we had passionately discussed sin, forgiveness,
and the holiness of God. Somehow, we came to the story of the woman caught in
adultery from John 8, and I watched as Abdullah’s eyes filled with tears as he
heard how the accusers had to put down their stones, and how Jesus offered
grace and salvation to the woman. He was visibly moved.

For the next couple of hours, we listened to and discussed
the entire book of Jonah. Abdullah wept at least two more times as he listened
to the Bible for the first time.

I’m not sure what it was exactly that touched Abdullah. Was
it the clear implication that all men are sinners, or simply the realization of
the incredible mercy of our sinless Savior? One thing was certain: Wow, I
thought. God’s Word is powerful.

Please pray for Abdullah and people like him who
have listened to audio recordings from Scripture.

Pray also for Abdullah’s family, who sat nearby
and listened to all that was discussed.

And finally, pray for the people working hard to
translate Scripture into the Rohingya language so that more and more Rohingya
people can experience the transforming power of the Word of God.